She hesitated for a moment, her eyes reflecting a swirl of emotions. It was understandable. 

After some thought, she smiled as she nodded. She threw her arms around me in a sudden, tight hug, taking me aback as I slightly stumbled backward. The brief yet heartfelt embrace formed an unexpected bond between us.

The villagers were incredibly kind and hospitable, fully entrusting Hoshiko to my care as they offered fruits and crops for me. She had seen too much suffering and hoped she would find comfort and strength under my guidance. 

After all, despite the pain of losing my own Master who raised me, I was left with a renewed sense of determination to continue for her.

Mother Yumira's spirit, her courage, and her commitment to protecting others made an impact on me, and it's something I will not forget. 

I vowed to honor her memory by continuing to fight against the demons and carrying forward the compassion and bravery that she embodied.

Before we left the town, I sent my dove, Fuki, to the headquarters with a message for Grand Master Oyakata, informing him that I had taken on a student.

- - - - -

While on the train, I took the opportunity to get to know Hoshiko better. She opened up to me, sharing her background and upbringing with a trust that felt like a precious gift. 

This time, I promise never to break that trust.

Hoshiko Akanemiya, age 13, is a demon slayer-in-training under her father's guidance. She is mastering the Breath of Stars, a technique passed down from her great-grandfather.

Her brother, on the other hand, trained with their mother, learning the Breath of Zephyr, a style she created herself derived from the Breath of Wind.

She fondly recalled the days of her training and growing up. Her father trained her gently, while her brother's training with their mother was notably harsher. She laughed as she reminisced about her family, her usual lively spirit shining through her smile.

I was impressed by how she managed to keep her emotions in check, channeling them into a more positive outlook. 

They say not to cry because it's over, but to smile because it happened. 

Hoshiko personified this sentiment perfectly; her stability and resilience inspired me deeply as I listened to her attentively. 

- - - - -

We arrived at the Moon Estate after walking from the train station. The morning sun beat relentlessly, causing my head to throb and my vision to blur with each step. 

My missions these past few days have left me exhausted, from barely surviving the encounter with an Upper Moon puppet to getting flashbacks of my past. I had no chance to rest.

I welcomed Hoshiko to the humble abode I had inherited from my late Master. Her rosy eyes widened in awe at the sight of the spacious, towering estate, which left her speechless for someone so young to own such a place. 

Fuki, my trusty messenger bird, perched on my head, reminding me of the upcoming semi-annual Hashira meeting and my inauguration into the tenth seat as the new Moon Hashira.

I encouraged Hoshiko to explore the estate as she liked, telling her to help herself with food or take a leisurely walk around the area to meet new people. 

I hoped she would find some comfort and warmth here, something that I, too, had long been searching for.

- - - - -

With nervousness surging through my veins, I stepped inside the Ubuyashiki Mansion to meet with Grand Master Oyakata before the meeting, as he had requested. The air was thick with anticipation.

I was welcomed by his children, recognizing two of them as they led me through the quiet halls to the room where their father waited patiently. Master Oyakata sat with a gentle smile on his face, his sightless white eyes glowing softly in the dim light. 

Despite his calm demeanor, there was a palpable tension in the air, a silent acknowledgment of the gravity of our gathering.

Outside on the veranda, the Hashiras busied themselves with conversation, their voices were a blend of peaceful excitement and weary as they caught up on each other's assignments from the past dark months.

The warm beginnings of spring seemed almost to mock the somber atmosphere. Amid the lively chatter, there was an obvious void. A space beside the Flame Hashira remained empty, a strong reminder of their loss.

His usual fiery brightness dimmed, and his eyes were distant as he awaited for the meeting to commence.

The entire scene was tinged with a sense of mourning, a silent tribute to the sacrifices, and a fragile hope for the upcoming spring.

The grandmaster's twin daughters came to the porch to announce his arrival; instantly, everyone fell silent and dropped to their knees in respect.

"Good morning, my dear children. It's a lovely day today. I'm glad you all came with complete resolve and determination." His voice was soothing and calm, dispelling the previous tension in the air.

"It's wonderful to see you in good health as well, Grand Master Oyakata." Miss Shinobu responded softly. 

"Though we still mourn the loss of our beloved Moon Hashira, Shira Yumira, her deeds, and memories will forever be cherished," he continued, pausing as a respectful silence enveloped the gathering. 

"Despite recent events, I am certain our dear Yumira would want you all to rise and embrace the new star she mentored for years."

My heart skipped a beat as my feet brought me to the porch, bravely stepping out of the shadows behind the door. Wiping away the tear stain on my face, I mustered the courage to stand beside the grandmaster, my hand trembling as it gripped the hilt of my katana.

No words would come out of my lips; I found myself under the weight of their unwavering stares, each gaze laden with anticipation and expectation. With only a month's worth of experience, I felt unworthy to stand on the same level as them.

"A pleasant morning to everyone. I'm Shiori Miura," I managed to utter. "I am grateful for your trust in me, grandmaster Oyakata. While this responsibility may have come swiftly, I accept the mantle of Moon Hashira wholeheartedly. I pledge my strength and my life to the Demon Slayer Corps, to safeguard humanity and uphold the legacy left to me by Madame Yumira. I humbly seek your guidance, and I am honored to work with each of you." I bowed.

What a show-off of me to flaunt myself like this, showing up in the Hashira meeting with bruises and bandages on my face like some kind of main character.

The tweeting of birds filled the silent air amidst the solemn Hashira meeting. I held tightly to my katana, hoping to ease the tension in my chest as I awaited the Hashiras' reactions. Their gazes were a mix of shock and awe. 

Sure, I knew I could never be on par with my late Master's prowess, nor could I fill the void she left behind. I was too young and inexperienced to hold such a high rank.

Yet, I wanted to prove that anyone, regardless of age, could rise to the challenge with dedication and perseverance.

And this was something Mother had instilled in me for years.

"Such flamboyance! Shiori!", Mister Uzui cheered, punching the air with his fists, "Now I want to see how dazzling you can be on the battlefield! I won't let you outshine me!"

"What an impressive child, becoming a Hashira after just a month as a demon slayer. I will pray for your fortune, Namu Amida Butsu," Mister Himejima mumbled, his hands clasped together around red prayer beads. His gentle nature shone through in his actions. 

"Your training has been grueling and dangerous, but you've mastered everything in such a short time. You've truly grown into a strong swordswoman, Shiori." I remembered how Miss Shinobu had always looked after me whenever I was brought to her estate with training injuries. Even way before I became an official demon slayer, I was already a regular patient in her infirmary.

Mister Obanai acknowledged the fact that I was younger than the Mist Hashira, Mister Muichiro Tokito, and had even become a hashira a month earlier than him.

Despite his comment, Mister Tokito was indifferent. The emptiness in his teal eyes flickered with a hint of surprise as our gazes met. 

He's slightly taller up close, wounds from the previous battle were still evident on his face. I wondered if he had fully recovered.

As I approached the Hashiras down the garden, they showered me with praise and compliments, despite their superiority and extensive battle experience. Their encouraging words lifted my spirits, leaving me speechless and flustered.

"I'm sure Yumira is proud of you as much as I am, young Shiori," Mister Rengoku smiled warmly, placing a hand on my shoulder as he ushered me to stand beside him and Muichiro, into the space reserved for the Moon Pillar. The pressure on his hand was rather warm and comforting, igniting a sense of encouragement within me.

"I'M ALSO PROUD OF YOU, SHIORI!!" Miss Mitsuri cheered, wrapping her arms around my frame. Their support and enthusiasm were all I needed to face another day with renewed grit and determination.

A new chapter of my life begins as I step into my role as a Hashira, surrounded by my new family.

~ ~ ~

-Next Chapter Preview-

"You only became a Hashira because your Master is gone."

---

A silent witness to the fragile connection between two young warriors.

『𝐓𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐨 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭』

Shiori's dove name, Fuki (不羈) means Independence, Freedom, and Liberty.

Daffodils symbolize "new beginnings"

『Author's Note』

Thank you for Reading 
See you next Chapter! 💝✌

- Rezella

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